24 arrested in New Hampshire drug bust

CONCORD — Federal and local authorities arrested 24 suspects on Wednesday in a major drug and gun sweep in New Hampshire.

Lynne Tuohy

CONCORD — Federal and local authorities arrested 24 suspects on Wednesday in a major drug and gun sweep in New Hampshire.

U.S. Attorney John Kacavas said a yearlong investigation led to the arrests. Police are still seeking five more suspects. All 29 were indicted by a federal grand jury.

Most of the arrests were made in Manchester, although the sweep included several Massachusetts residents who were apprehended by law enforcement officials there. The investigation was coordinated through the FBI's Safe Streets Gang Task Force.

"This sweep constitutes a major disruption in the flow of illicit drugs on our streets, and I'm grateful to the FBI and the Manchester Police Department for their leadership of this effort," Kacavas said.

Arrested Wednesday were 22 men and two women. Most are charged with possession and distribution of cocaine and heroin. One suspect is charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Aaron Paley, 43, of Manchester, is charged with bank robbery. Federal court documents show he was indicted Sept. 22 on charges he robbed a TD Bank branch in Manchester on June 18, allegedly taking $785. He is the only one of the 24 arrested who is not facing drug charges.

Indictments on the others arrested Wednesday remain sealed pending the arrest of the five who were not yet in custody.

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